MUCH MORE FAMILY

“SPEAKING OF TALENT…”

Those who’ve followed these columns over the years, will remember the statement that, unlike most commercial pursuits which tend to be shorter in term when it comes to turning things over, breeding of racehorses is much more of a generational thing. This means that family-building is a prime ingredient in the production of good horses, and it’s no different in the human sphere. Sunday, at the Three Springs showground’s at Treverton College, the Goss’ granddaughter, Hannah, made her show jumping debut aboard her spritely Appaloosa pony, Graffiti. What a day, with five clear rounds, two of which were in the competition stages, including a jump-off against six other competitors. In her first-ever contest against a field of riders ranging between 13 and 20 years, little Hannah (just turned 9) concluded her last round in clear fashion again, to take the third place rosette, beaten only by the clock.

There must be an adventurous spirit tucked away in the family somewhere, as she and Graffiti went into those jumps with a confidence and a verve unusual in a debutant, particularly one of such tender years.